After winning their first four games to start the season, the Philadelphia 76ers proceeded to drop nine of their next 15 outings, culminating in them boasting a middling 10-9 record through a tad over a month into the regular season. Having said that, the team is not bereft of silver linings even at this juncture. Case in point? Look no further than Dominick Barlow, who has been absolutely impressive in his first year with the franchise.
Barlow, one of the team's two-way players, has emerged as one of the steadiest hands on the roster. Outside of the handful of games he missed due to injury, he has been one of their most consistent players. Having said that, the front office has yet to convert his deal into a standard NBA contract, and that fact is probably attributable to the team still needing to cut ties with some players.
As of writing, the 76ers actually have one open roster spot, but their front office has always preferred keeping things that way to allow for flexibility in striking trades and whatnot. As a result, the team has an obvious next move to make to allow them to secure the young big man for the foreseeable future –– cutting ties with an unplayable veteran named Eric Gordon.
The 76ers need to waive Eric Gordon and sign Dominick Barlow to a new contract
Barlow has started in seven of his 10 appearances so far, and the coaching staff clearly wants his activity on defense to complement their high-usage players in the starting unit. Despite his modest averages of 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, his all-around game has taken a step forward, having outgrown his former billing as a traditional play finisher.
However, as everyone knows, there are limits to being a two-way player, especially with regard to their allowable appearances with their respective NBA ball clubs. That makes it imperative for the 76ers to convert Barlow's deal into a regular one.
To do that (and given the 76ers front office's preferred way of doing things), they should seriously consider parting ways with Eric Gordon, who has been largely unplayable not only this season, but since their previous campaign. At this point in time, he does not offer anything on the table save for his sporadic three-point shooting.
Philly is not exactly in need of more undersized players –– that is pretty apparent. It would be way more prudent for the front office to reinforce their forward rotation, especially with Paul George still sitting a lot of games and Trendon Watford and Kelly Oubre Jr. being sidelined due to injuries.
The 76ers have to be smarter about the way they build the roster, and given their current needs, signing Dominic Barlow to a fresh deal and shedding Eric Gordon is precisely the move that has to be done.